Operator telephone circuit



J. E. coxr OPERATOR TELEPHONE'MRCUIT May s, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet l Y SNN Filed Sept. 9, 1960 Ill; MNR( INVENToR. Jl. ral

#Mix/fr l Ii l s May s, 1962 J. E. CX 3,033,940

OPERATOR TELEPHONE CIRCUIT May 8, 1962 J. E. cox 3,033,940

OPERATOR TELEPHONE CIRCUIT Filed sept. 9. 1960 s sheets-sheet :s

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vvvvvvv INVENTOR. .zi mr BY A///f//ff SS -b m Vhybrid vnetwork 17 via monitor relay contacts M1, M2 and the output or collector electrodes c are inductiv'ely coupled point 37 goes up and discharging when the potential goes down to prevent:V the amplifiers from responding to iluctuations of source voltage. The base electrode b of the transistor 18 is biased bythe potential appearingat point 38 on the voltage divider, the biasing circuitextending through a parallel circuitV including the lefthand winding of relay TR and the diode 34a. The base electrodes b of transistors 19 and 2@ are biased to the point 3S through resistors RY1'6 and RYIS, respectively.

The base to emitter bias for each of the transistors is completed to groundpoint 26, the emiter circuit to transistor 18 beingvia resistor RY11, to transistor 19 being via resistors RY13, -RY14, and to transistor 20 being via resistors are chosen to make the emitters of the various transistors more positive than their respective bases. The presence vof these resistors in the emitter. biasing circuits greatly increases the input impedance of the amplifiers.

terminals of the ampliiiers .19, 2G to match the input `irnpedance'of thefampliners to the impedance of the hybrid network 17.

oftransistor 20 is ysupplied via the upper half of the letthand Winding of transformer 25. v K With this biasing arrangement there is a negative feedi back which stabilizes the D.C. supply and the ampliier characteristics. More specifically, if the potential at voltage, temperature,V etc.

,coupling capacitor by .charging when 'the potential at v Y d bientenvironmental changes such as fluctuations in supply In fact, it has been found that this feedback control is adequate to stabilize the circuit against changes caused by the drifting characteristics occurring as components age.V

Since commercialgra-de components aroused, a wide range Vof component values are available and the impedance of anyconnecting circuits may beV matched.

Contrastthis with the situation where specially designed components are used and a high cost, low production item is required each time that it is necessary to change an impedance.

In addition to the above described use of negative feedback to control the frequency response of the amplier, a tone control circuit is provided in the receive channel. More specifically, the resistor RY17 and capacitor 49 are connected in Yseries across the left-hand winding of repeat coil 25. The capacitor 40 offers a high impedance to low frequencies and a low impedance to high frequencies with the value of the capacitor chosen to pass frequencies which are higher than the upper limits of thefnormal voice band. Thus, the higher order resistors RYIZ, RYM. The electrical values of these l "Therefore, a resistor RY9 is connected across the input point 37 becomes .more negative, the .bias on the various base l.electrodes causes a'grea'ter collector-emitter current v ow.. With this increased current, the 1R drop'across the .Y :emitter biasing resistors RY11-RY14 increases, .the bias on; the emitters drops, and the'collector-emitter current reduces. Thus, the circuit is self-stabilizing and corrects for uctuations of power supply. Moreover, ifv the 'gain of th'e amplier tends to go up, more emitter current is drawn, the IRV drop increases, and the VVcollector-emitter current reduces to restore the amplier gain Vto normal. It should be Vunderstood that a gain control may be proyidcd to allow either a continuously variable or an'incremental adjustment in the volume of the sound heardA by the operator. Thus, the negative Vvfeedback provided `by the voltage drop across resistors RY11RY14 'auto- 'matic-ally controlsV the gain of the amplifier.

`Still further, the frequency response of the ampli-tiers is greatly improved by the feedback, since the resistors -RYll--RY14 function as emitter degeneration resist- Van'ces which reduce harmonic distortion, and especially y :third harmonic distortion, This is because the distorvthel transistors 18--20 and other components may be in-V expensive, commercial grade devices because the negative Y feedback signal causes the amplifiers to make-up anyV hybrid loss andi-entiers lthe circuit insensitive to amharmonics resulting from the use of unmatched transistors or other commercialV grade components are attenuated by the resistor RY17 and the delity of the speech signal remains unimpared. l

Next, reference is made to FIGS. 2,-4 for a more complete understanding of how the hybrid circuit 17 functions. A hybrid circuitfby denition, is a combination of elements affording paths betweenv three branches marked A, B and C in the drawings: First (Branch C) is a two-way circuit including both transmit and receive version, Branch A (the transmit-channellis that portion of the hybridV circuit which is connected to repeat coil 21. Branch B (the receive channel) is that portion of the hybrid circuit Kwhich is connected to the receiver REC of the operatorsheadset. And, Branch C (the V`'tvvo-way'channel) is that Vportion of the'hybrid circuit which is connected over the tip and ring leads T and R to the cord circuit 1li-(FIG. l).

By Way of analysis, reference is made to the superposition theory Which states that currents flowing vin a linear network as a result of the Vsimultaneous applica- V'tion of a number of voltages distributed in any manner through the network, is the sum of the component currents l'at any point that would be caused by the individual voltages if acting separately. Thus, `the hybrid circuit 17 may be analyzed byexamining the relation between `currents in branches A and B separately, currents in branches A and C separately, and currents in branches B and C separately.

Pursuing this superposition principle, the Wheatstone bridge of FIG. 2 is redrawn in FIG. 3 as an equivalent circuit. In this figure, the legs of the Wheatstone bridge are arranged as parallel resistance circuits, the receiver is replaced by an equivalent resistance RR, and the primary winding of the repeat coil 21 is replaced by an equivalent generator E and resistance RG. Branch C is replaced by equivalent resistance RL. Each of the Wheatstone bridge resistors RYl-RYS have the same resistance. Also the balancing resistor RYG, the transmitter resistance RG, the receiver resistance RR and RY9 in parallel and branch C resistance RL have the same resistance. The currents ilowing through :the resistors RY7 and RYB are designated I1 and I2 respectively. The cur- Also, by the superposition theory, if the receiver resistance RR and the balancing resistor RY9 are not connected into the bridge the currents Il and I2 are by Ohms law equal to the BMF. of the generator E divided by the total resistance of each leg, i.e.

and

Since resistances RYl-RYS are equal to each other and resistance RYiQ equals resistance RL, current I1 is equal to current I2. Thus, the potential diierence between points a and e is zero because the IR drops across resistors RY 7 and RY6 are equal to the 1R drops across resistors RYS and RYE., and the IR drops across resistors RY4 and RYS areequal to the IR drops across resistors RYB and RYZ.

If it is now assumed that matching resistor RY9 and the receiver resistance RR are connected, in parallel, across points a and e no current will flow through either resistor RY9 or the receiver resistance RR since the potential diiierence across points i and e is equal to zero.- Therefore, the electromotive force oi' the operators transmitter has no effect on her receiver.

in FIG. 4 the Wheatstone bridgeof FlG. 2 is redrawn as an equivalent circuit to show the relation between curf rents in branches A and C. Again, the repeat coil windin g is shown as a generator E and a resistor RG. The resistance legs or" the Wheatstone bridge are shown as two separate resistance circuits, and the loop to the subscriber station is shown as resistor RL. The resistance of the load across the tip and ring conductors (RL) is equal to the balancing resistor RYtl and is equal to the resistance of the transmitter RG. Again the currents I1 and I2 ow through the legs of the Wheatstone bridge while current I3 ows through balancing resistor RYltl, and current I4 flows through the subscriber loop.

If it is assumed that balancing resistor- RYi@ and the loop resistance EL are not connected to the bridge the currents Il and i2 are equal because the resistance of the two legs is equal. This equality of the currents l1 and i2 continues after the resistances RYltl and RL are connected to the bridge because these resistances are equal. The 1R drop across resistor RY@ is less than the IR drops across the resistors RY7RY+RY5 Thus, there is a potential difference between points h and d, and current L ows through the load resistance RL (ie. the subscriber loop). This current I4 is equal to the po tential difference between the points Iz and d divided' by the resistance RL. For similar easons, a potential difference also exists across points b and f. Therefore, a current I3 liows through the balancing resistor RYlt), the current value being equal to the potential diterence between points b and f divided by the resistance RYlti. In view or" the equality of the various resistances, current I3 equals current I4. Thus, when the operator is speaking into her transmitter, a voice current isigenerated (the Eli/LF. of generator E) and applied across the resistance circuits of the hybrid network to vary the current Ig in the subscriber loop. In this manner, the voice currents in Branch A appear in Branch C.

The relation between the currents in Branches B and C is not shown; however, it should be understood that it is similar to the relation between the currents in Branches A and C.

In this exemplary hybrid network construction, when the operator circuit 12 is used in a 60G ohm oice each of the resistors RYll-RY8 has a resistance of 425 ohms, and resistors RYE and RYllB have a resistance of 600 ohms. If the operator circuit is used in a 90() ohm otiice,

each of the resistors RYE-RYB has a resistance of 635 d ohms, and resistors RY9 and RYld have a resistance of 900 ohms.

When the circuit is used in a 900 ohm oiiice, the biasing potentials applied to the various electrodes of the transistors would n-ot be correct; therefore, the resister` RYZS is connected between ground point 26 and the left-hand end of the upper winding of transformer 21. Thisrresistor both soaks-up any additional power resulting from changes in resistance values of hybrid network i7 and provides a correct input impedance for Branch A of the hybrid network. It is not necessary to make any further changes in the amplier Acircuits when modified for use in a 900 ohm office.

It is thought that the nature of the invention may be `understood best from the following detailed description of the manner in which the circuit of FIG. l operates.

When the operator takes position, the key K1 is thrown to the open position shown in the drawing, thereby disconnecting the position circuit 11 from the preceding operator positions 29a. Also, the operator inserts a plug attached to the headset 1.6 into jacks Sti, 3l thereby completing a transmit channel from the headset 16 transmitter TRNS to the hybrid network 17 via the transmit ampliier 18 and completing a receive channel from the hybrid network 17 to the headset 16 receiver REC via the receive amplifiers including transistors i9, 2i).

Means are provided for telephonically coupling the transmitter oi the operator headset to the transmit channel of the hybrid circuit via the inductive coupling between the windings of a double wound relay. More particularly, the talking battery is supplied over a circuit which may be traced from ground through the right-hand winding of the transmit relay TR, the tip of the jack 3.1. and associated plug, the transmitter TRNS, the -tip of jack 3%, and Y associated plug, capacitor 32 and parallel resistor RYZd to battery 33. In this circuit resistor-RY24 limits current flow and capacitor 32 acts as a filter to quiet the battery 33. Diodes 34a, 34h are connected across the windings of relay TR to prevent voltage surges from damaging transistor i8 when the operators headsetis plugge -in or removed.

Responsive to the operation of transmit relay TR, contacts TR1 close thereby energizing the voltage divider RYlS-RY20 which completes the transistor collector and bias supplies, and contacts TR2 close to complete an obvious circuit for energizing relay 34 in position circuit 11. Y

Responsive to the operation of position relay' 34, coni tacts 4l open to break a supervisory circuit extending to the succeeding operator positions 29b. Contacts 42, d3

close to extend the heavily inked talking conductors from cord circuit l@ to the operator circuit l2 via capacitors CL'CZ. Contacts 44 close to complete a busy test circuit and contacts 45 and d6 close to extend a monitoring cir- :uit from operator circuit 12 to cord circuit 10.

The voice communication path between the operators headset 16 and the cord circuit l@ is now completed and nothing further happens until voice signals appear on the lines connected to jacks 13b and Mb, or until the operators Voice acts upon the transmitter TRNS of headset l16 to modulate the talking battery 33. In either event, the voice signals pass .through the resistance hybrid network 1.7' in a direction which completes a path for i e-c of transistors 19, 20 and the primary winding of repeat coil 25 are amplilied. By inductive coupling across ftion `with the Vmonitor conductors. Y

ment, the amplifiers provide the Ygain which permits-re- Vvcircuit is being monitored.

relay TR to the 'base of transistor 181. Thereafter, the Vamplified currents flowing in the emitter-collector circuit age of the transistorll appear in Branch A of the hybrid network 17.

' Monitoring Means are provided for monitoring conversations eX- l tended, over paths through the cord circuit without de-t grading the voice signals carried over such paths while allowing the operator to hear at normal levels. Basically,

a monitor circuit is a connection extending from the operator headset to the talking conductors that are then` carrying subscribers voice signals. lf the monitor circuit is merely connected in'parallel with the subscribers stations, the voice currents are divided by the parallel circuits. There is a sharp reduction of signal strength and conscquential degrading Vof the voice'signals.

To avoid these problems, previous monitor circuits have included specially designed, high cost hybrid coils bridged across the line, all of` which caused -a loss of about l() db of signal strength and of listening qualities to theroperator making it difficult to'monitor on connections Where the signal strength'is weak. l Y

In accordance with an aspect of this invention, the monitor circuit is connectedrto lthepsubscriber lines via resistors RYZ and RYZZV which sharply limit the Vcurrent that is drawn from the line and raise the monitor circuit impedance accordingly. Since Vthe resistors RYil- REF-14 in the'emitter circuits increase the input impedance of the transistors `19, 20, to match the impedance of the `monitor circuit, there is no need for an impedance matchingresistor, suchV as RY9 when contacts M1, M2 are closed. The advantage of this arrangement is that the monitor circuit presents a negligible input impedanceV y during monitoring conditions.

The busy indicating circuit RYZS is disconnected in the position circuit whenvthe plugs 13a and 14a ar y.plugged into the jacks Y13b and 14h. l l

Thus, to monitor a calL-the operator closes a circuit (not shown). which operates monitor relay M. Responsive thereto, contacts M1 and kM2 operate to switch theYV input kcircuit of the transistors-amplifiers 19, Ztl from its normal connection with hybrid network 17 to a connec- With this Varrangeduction in current drawnL from the line during monitoring with no reduction in'signal received by the operator.V In

verator headset, the circuit may also provide an interconnection betweenv a four-wire headset, and a four-wire switchboard. Briefly, a four-wire switchboard is one having segregated transmit and receive channels, each com- 1 pleted over a two-wire metallic path. That is, a first subscriber transmits to a second subscriber over arirst twowire, one-way voice channel providing east-west lcommunication while the second subscriber transmits to the tirst subscriber over. a second two-wire, one-way channel providing west-east communication.

To converse with the subscribers, the operator must be able both to talk and to listen over either channel. For example, fthe operator talks to the second subscriberV over vthe east-westchannel and listens over the west-east channel. Conversely, the operator talks tothe rst subscriber over the west-east channel and listens over the cast-west channel. Y To prevent circuit oscillation there mus-t be' no feedback between the two one-way channels. Heretofore, the operator circuit Vhas required-a pair of hybrid coils to prevent such feedback.

In carrying out this invention,` a single resistance hybrid network is used to interconnect the operator and the fourwire switchboard circuit. To illustrate the manner in which this is accomplished, FIG. Vhas been prepared as a simplified circuit diagram illustrating only those cornponents necessary forj an understanding of the invention. The remaining components (not shown in FIG. 5) are the `same as those shown in FIG. 1. Similar reference numerals are used in lFIGS. 1 and 5 to designate similar parts with a prime mark added to identify those shown in l nro. 5. Y

addition, the value of the resistors'R-Yzl and 'RYZZ is so j high that subscribers engaged in the conversation being monitored hear no clicks or other indication that the Busy Test jack such as 1411. If busy tone ison the sleevegthe signal' current is transmitted over thetalking conductors, contacts 44, and through current limiting resistor RSI-23V to the receiver REC A contact (not shown) of a relay in the position .circuit 11V disconnects this Ypath when the plug lilar is fun-y inserted Eto jack 14h. Y

. If the vbusy signal -is a battery marking applied to the v sleeve of jack -14b, the capacitor 51 charges when the operator touches the *tip of the plug to the associated jack.

-Thus, the `operator hears a "click when capacitor 51 charges. The varistor S2 shunts excessive voltages to ground, thus precluding acoustical shock to the operator.

An Operator Circuit for Use in a Four-WirefSwitchboard In addition tothe above described'use as a converter`V f between a two-wire telephone system and a four-wire op- When used in aV four-wire system, the resistor RY10 is omitted and the second-ofV the Ytwo one-way channels is Vconnected in" lieu thereof. More specifically, the fourwire line leading to the calling subscriber station is connected to jacks 6i) while' the four-wire line leading to the called subscriber station is connected to jacks 61.V Thus, the `east-west channel is connected across points h' and d', while the west-east channel is connected across points b and f of the hybrid network 17. VBecause the hybrid network is balanced,V the-energy in "one channel of the Vfour-wire circuit does not reach the other channel. On

the other hand, the connections to the transmit channel A' and to the receive channel B are displaced from the connections to the four-wire Vswitchboard circuit by one resistor in the hybrid network; therefore, there is an unbalanced condition providing the transfer of energy that allows communication between the operator and the subscribers.

While the principles of the invention have been described in connection with specific apparatus, it is to be vclearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the claims.

i claim: A s

l. In an operator telephone circuit, the combination comprising a two-way voice channel including a plurality ot talking conductors terminated by a resistance hybrid network, said hybridnetwork having a characteristic impedance which matches the impedance of said two-way voice channel, an operator headset, a pair of one-way voice channels including a transmit channel and a receive channel for interconnecting said hybrid network and said headset, means in each of said one-way channels for: @amplifying voice currents, and means including a negative feedback circuit for stabilizing said amplifiers.

2. In an operator circuit, the combination comprising aY ,two-way voice channel including a pair of conductors, means including a resistance hybrid network for terminating said two-way channel in its characteristic impedance, an operator headset, a `pair of one-way voice channels including a transmit and a receive channel for interconnecting said hybrid network and said headset, means in each of Vsaid one-way channels for amplifying voice currents, and means including a negative feedback circuit for stabilizing said ampliiier.

3. in an operator circuit, the combination comprising a pair of one-way voice channels including four wires for providing a two-wayvoice channel, means including a resistance hybrid network for terminating said four Wires in their characteristic impedance, an operator headseat, a pair of one-way voice channels including a transmit channel and a receive channel for interconnecting said hybrid network and said headset, means in each of said channels that interconnect said hybrid network and said headset for amplifying voice currents, and means including a negative feedback circuit for stabilizing said amplifiers.

4. A telephone switchboard comprising a plurality of cord circuits, an operator circuit, and a resistance hybrid network, means including a plurality of talking conductors for extending a two-way voice channel from said cord circuits to said resistance hybrid network, an operator headset in said operator circuit, a transmit channel and a receive channel in said operator circuit for interconnecting said hybrid network and said headset, means in said transmit channel for amplifying voice currents, means in said receive channel for amplifying voice currents, each of said amplifying means comprising a transistor connected in a common emitter configuration, and means for biasing the emitters of said transistors through at least one voltage dropping resistor to provide a negative feedback which varies :as a function of emitter current for stabilizing said amplifiers.

5. A telephone switchboard comprising a plurality `of cord circuits, an operator circuit, a headset, means including a plurality of talking conductors for extending a two-way voice channel from said cord circuits to said operator circuit, a plug-in unit for attachment into said operator circuit, said plug-in unit comprising a hybrid network, a transmit channel, and a receive channel, said hybrid network interconnecting said two-way channel and said transmit and receive channels, means in said transmit channels for amplifying voice currents originating in said headset, means in said receive channel for amplifying voice currents received over said two-way voice channel, each of said amplifying means comprising a transistor connected in -a common emitter configuration, and means for biasing the emitters of said transistors through at least one voltage dropping resistor to provide a negative feedback controlled by emitter current for stabilizing said amplifiers.

6. A telephone switchboard comprising a plurality of cord circuits, an operator circuit, and an operator headset, means for extending a two-way voice channel from said cord circuits to said loperator circuit and a unit for plugging into said operator circuit, said plug-in unit comprising a resistance hybrid network, a transmit channel and a receive channel, means including said hybrid network for interconnecting said two-way channel and said headset Via said transmit and receive channels, and amplilier means in both said transmit channel and said receive channel for amplifying voice-currents, the impedance of said resistance hybrid network being matched to the impedance of said two-way channel whereby the characteristic impedance of said operator circuit may be changed to match the characteristic impedance of a telephone office by switching said plug-in units.

7. The telephone circuit of claim 6 wherein the resistance of the hybrid networks on some of said plug-in units is selected to match the impedance of a 600 ohm telephone oce and the resistance of the hybrid netv works on other of said plug-in units is selected to match the impedance of a 900 ohm telephone office.

y8. A component circuit for use in a telephone system comprising a plug-in unit for interconnecting twoand four-wire transmission channels, means on said plug-in unit including a resistance hybrid network for interconnecting a two-way voice channel and a pair of one-wayv voice channels, the resistance of said hybrid network being selected to match the impedance of said two-Way channel whereby the characteristic impedance of the circuit into which said plug-in unit is connected may be changed by switching the plug-in units, means on said plug-in unit for amplifying voice currents ingveachV of said one-way channels, and means including :a negative feedback circuit for stabilizing the output of said amplifying means against changes caused by drifting characteristics of component in said amplifying means whereby inexpensive commercial grade components may be used in said component circuit.

9. In a telephone switchboard, the combination comprising `a plurality of talking conductors for interconnecting an operator circuit :and cord circuits at said switchboard, a resistance hybrid network having three branches, means for coupling *one of said branches to said pair of talking conductors, the characteristic impedance of said hybrid network being matched to the characteristic impedance of said talking conductors, an operator headset including a transmitter and a receiver, means for connecting a second brauch of said hybrid network to a transmitter in said headset, means for connecting the third branch of said hybrid network to the receiver in said operator headset, means interposed between said transmitter and said hybrid network for amplifying Voice signals originating at said transmitter, means interposed between said hybrid network and said receiver for amplifying voice signals received over said talking conductors, each of said amplifying means comprising a transistor connected in a common emitter configuration, and means comprising at least one resistor for applying biasing p-otential to the emitter of each of said transistors whereby increased current through an emitter causes a larger IR dropV across said resistor thereby reducing the biasin potential applied to said emitter.

l0. An operator telephone circuit comprising la headset having a transmitter and a receiver, a transmit channel coupled to said transmitter and a receive channel coupled to said receiver, a two-way communication channel extending to said operator circuit, means including a `hybrid resistance network for interconnecting said twoway channel and said transmit and receive channels, means comprising a transistorized amplifier in said transmit channel for amplifying voice signals origin-ating in said transmitter, means comprising a transistorized ampli- Iier in said receive channel for amplifying voice signals received over said two-way channel, and means for stabilizing the output of said transistors comprising a negative feedback circuit for controlling the gain of said transistors, said gain being selected to compensate for loss of signal strength in said hybrid network and said negative feedback to compensate for changes in ambient environmental conditions, and for drifting component characteristics.

1l. The operator telephone circuit of claim l0 and means comprising a double wound relay, said coupling between said transmit channel and said transmitter being completed by the inductive coupling across said relay windings.

12. The operator telephone circuit of claim 1l and means responsive to operation of said relay for energizing said amplifiers.

13. In a telephone switchboard, at least one cord circuit for telephonically interconnecting subscriber lines, an operator headset having at least a receiver, -an operator circuit for interconnecting said cord circuit and said headset, means in said operator circuit for monitoring conversations extended over paths through said cord circuit, at least one amplifier having input and output circuits, said monitoring means including a pair of talking conductors coupled between said subscriber lines and the input circuit of said amplifier via current limiting resistors, and means for coupling the output circuit of said ampli- Y Y Y 1 i fier to Vsaid receiver ofsaid operator headset thereby allowing the voperator Vto hear at normal ievels without degrading voice signals on said subscriber lines.

14. In an operator telephone circuit, the combination comprising a headset having a transmitter and a receiver, a transmit channel coupled to said transmitter and a receive Vchannel coupled to said receiver, a twoway cominunication `channel extending to said operator'circuit, means 4including va resistance hybrid network for interconnecting said two-way channel and said transmit and receive channels, means for amplifying voice signals ap- 'peering in said hybrid network comprising an amplier coupled between said hybrid network and said receiver, Y

"meanscomprising la negative-gfeedbackV circuit for stabiiiz- 'ing the output of said ampliena monitor circuit includring current limiting resistors, 4and means for Switching said amplifier from said coupling with said hybrid circuit to a coupling with said monitor circuit.

15 A telephone switchboard comprising `a pair of tallt- Y ing conductors for interconnecting'cord circuits and an A`operator circuit, a hybrid network terminating said con- "transmit channel and a receive channel for interconnecting Ysaid'hybridl network and said headset, means kin each Y,

through voltage dropping resistors to provide a negative feedback circuit for stabilizing said amplifying means, -aV monitor circuit `intercormecting said cord -circuit and saidV 1Voperator circuit via current Vlimiting resistors, means for switchingsaid 'amplifying means in said receive channel from connection lwithsaid hybridnetwork to connection iwith saidjm'onitor circuit, and means including a vcurrent ductors in said operator circuit, an operator headset, a Y

12 limiting resistor for transmitting busy signals from said cord circuit toV said headset. Y

16. An operator'circuit for use -in a teiephone system comprising a two-way voice channel for interconnecting Tsaid operator circuit and a telephone line, an operator headset, means comprising La'rresistance hybrid network v in said operator circuit for interconnecting said two-way Y channel and said headset,`A at least one amplierphaving :input and output circuits interposed between said hybrid network and said operator headset, kthe input circuit of said ampiiiier being normally coupled to .y said hybrid Vnetwork and the output circuit of said amplifier being` Y coupled to said headset, a monitor circuit including cur- `rent limiting resistors for extending voice signals between V`said ktelephone line and said operator circuit, means for switchingithe input circuit of said amplifier from said normal coupling with said hybrid network to a coupling with said monitor circuit, Vmeans for extending busy siglast named means for shunting excessive voltages thereby Y preventing acoustical shock to the operator.

25,:nel, a two-winding relay, means for supplying talking f pling between said windings.

'17, Ina telephone system, a transmitter, a voice chanbattery yto said transmitter throughone of said windings, and means for coupling said voice channel to the other .of said windings, whereby saidtransmitter and saidtvoice channel are telephonically coupled via the inductive cou- 18. The'telephone system of claim 17 and a pair of diodes, one of said diodes being connected across Veach of said windings. t Y

t No references cited. 

